[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 86 (Monday, May 4, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26413-26418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08805]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 935

[SATS No. OH-258-FOR; Docket ID: OSM-2017-0005; S1D1S SS08011000 
SX064A000 201S180110 S2D2S SS08011000 SX064A000 20XS501520]


Ohio Regulatory Program

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; public comment period and opportunity for public 
hearing on proposed amendment.

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SUMMARY: We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 
(OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Ohio 
regulatory program (hereinafter, the Ohio program) under the Surface 
Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Through 
this proposed amendment, Ohio is requesting to modify 41 rules to the 
Ohio Administrative Code, including, but not limited to, permit 
applications, hydrologic map and cross sections, general map 
requirements, requirements for permits for special categories of 
mining, underground mining permit application, small operator 
assistance program, and self-bonding etc. This document gives the times 
and locations that the Ohio program and this proposed amendment to that 
program are available for your inspection, the comment period during 
which you may submit written comments on the amendment, and the 
procedures that we will follow for the public hearing, if one is 
requested.

DATES: We will accept written comments on this amendment until 4 p.m., 
Eastern Standard Time (e.s.t.), June 3, 2020. If requested, we will 
hold a public hearing on the amendment on May 29, 2020. We will accept 
requests to speak at a hearing until 4 p.m., e.s.t. on May 19, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by SATS No. OH-258-FOR, 
by any of the following methods:
     Mail/Hand Delivery: Mr. Ben Owens, Field Office Director, 
Pittsburgh Field Office, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and 
Enforcement, 3 Parkway Center, Pittsburgh, Pa 15220.
     Fax: (412) 937-2177.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: The amendment has been 
assigned Docket ID: OSM-2017-0005. If you would like to submit comments 
go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number for this rulemaking. For detailed instructions on 
submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking 
process, see the ``Public Comment Procedures'' heading of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
    Docket: For access to the docket to review copies of the Ohio 
program, this amendment, a listing of any scheduled public hearings, 
and all written comments received in response to this document, you 
must go to the address listed below during normal business hours, 
Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. You may receive one free 
copy of the amendment by contacting OSMRE's Pittsburgh Field Office or 
the full text of the program amendment is available for you to read at 
www.regulations.gov.

Mr. Ben Owens, Field Office Director, Pittsburgh Field Office, Office 
of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 3 Parkway Center, 
Pittsburgh, Pa 15220, Telephone: (412) 937-2827, email: 
[email protected].

    In addition, you may review a copy of the amendment during regular 
business hours at the following location:


[[Page 26414]]


Mr. Dave Crow, Acting Chief, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 
Division of Mineral Resources Management, 2045 Morse Road, Building H2, 
Telephone: (614) 265-1020, email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ben Owens, Field Office Director, 
Pittsburgh Field Office, 3 Parkway Center, Pittsburgh, Pa 15220. 
Telephone: (412) 937-2827, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background on the Ohio Program
II. Description of the Proposed Amendment
III. Public Comment Procedures
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

I. Background on the Ohio Program

    Section 503(a) of the Act permits a State to assume primacy for the 
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on non-
Federal and non-Indian lands within its borders by demonstrating that 
its program includes, among other things, State laws and regulations 
that govern surface coal mining and reclamation operations in 
accordance with the Act and consistent with the Federal regulations. 
See 30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). On the basis of these criteria, the 
Secretary of the Interior conditionally approved the Ohio program on 
August 16, 1982. You can find background information on the Ohio 
program, including the Secretary's findings, the disposition of 
comments, and conditions of approval of the Ohio program in the August 
10, 1982, Federal Register (47 FR 34717). You can also find later 
actions concerning the Ohio program and program amendments at 30 CFR 
935.10, State Regulatory Program Approval; and 935.11, Conditions of 
State Regulatory Program Approval; and 935.15, Approval of Ohio 
Regulatory Program Amendments.

II. Description of the Proposed Amendment

    By letter dated November 20, 2015 (Administrative Record No. OH-
2194-01), Ohio sent us an amendment to its program under SMCRA (30 
U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) Ohio seeks to revise its program to amend 41 
revised rules to the Ohio Administrative Code to include the following:

Proposed New Rules

    1. Section 1501:13-4-08.1--Proposed new rule--Application, 
supplemental and hydrologic maps, and cross-sections, designs and plans 
for underground workings. This new rule is proposed to contain all the 
mapping rules specific to underground workings. A companion rule, 
1501:13-4-08, is proposed to be amended to contain all the mapping 
rules for surface affectment, including surface coal mining operations 
and underground mining surface operations.
    2. Section 1501:13-4-10--Proposed new rule with the same number and 
title--will have updated and new map symbols. The new proposed rule, is 
to be replaced. The rescinded rule with the same number and title, will 
have updated and new map symbols.

Rule Rescissions

    1. Section 1501:13-7-04--Rule proposed for rescission--Self-
bonding--This rule is proposed for rescission due to the Division of 
Mineral Resources Management no longer wanting to accepting self-bonds 
as performance security.
    2. Section 1501:13-4-10--Rule proposed for rescission--Uniform 
color code and map symbols. The current rule proposed for rescission, 
is to be replaced with a proposed new rule with the same number and 
title, which will have updated and new map symbols.

Rule Revisions

    Ohio's proposed rule changes are for the purpose of complying with 
the five-year-review requirements of Section 106.03 of the Ohio Revised 
Code, to make revisions that are as effective as the Federal 
requirements, to revise the mapping requirements so they are easier to 
understand and follow, to rescind the self-bonding rule and revise 
other performance bond rules so that self-bonding cannot be used as 
performance security, to allow the applicant/permittee to certify that 
a current proof of liability insurance and rider is part of the 
centralized ownership and control file, to protect underground mining 
from other underground mining and from coal exploration drilling, to 
clarify a Phase III bond release requirement related to seeding after 
minor repairs, to update the publication dates of the Code of Federal 
Regulations and the United States Code, and to make numerous 
administrative corrections and clarifications.
A. Minor Revision to Ohio Rules
    The minor wording, editorial, punctuation, grammatical, and 
recodification changes being addressed in this finding are non-
substantive.
    1. Section 1501:13-1-02--Effective date and applicability--Proposed 
to include two new rules 1501:13-3-01 and 1501:13-3-02, that became 
effective October 28,2010.
    2. Section 1501:13-1-02--Definitions--Proposed to remove the 
definition of self bonds. The Division will no longer accept self bonds 
as performance security.
    3. Section 1501:13-1-13--Rule references--Proposed paragraph 
renumbering.
    4. Section 1501:13-3-01--Standards for demonstration of valid 
existing right--Proposed to change paragraph (A)(2)(b)(iv) which 
references to the life-of-mine map.
    5. Section 1501:13-5-03--Form, conditions and terms of performance 
security--Paragraph (A)(3) is proposed to be removed. Paragraph (C)(2) 
is proposed to be revised to state that the Division will no longer 
accept self bonds as performance security.
    6. Section 1501:13-6-03 Small operator assistance program--
Paragraph (F)(2)(c) is proposed to revise the references to cross 
section maps and plans, since these are being moved to rules 1501:13-4-
08 and 1501:13-4-08.1.
    7. Section 1501:13-7-01 General requirements for providing 
performance security for coal mining and reclamation operations--
Paragraph (E)(4) is proposed to be removed. The Division will no longer 
accept self bonds as performance security.
    8. Section 1501:13-7-03 Form, conditions, and terms of performance 
security--Paragraphs (A)(3) and (C)(2) are proposed to be removed. The 
Division will no longer accept self bonds as performance security.
    9. Section 1501:13-7-05 Procedures, criteria, and schedule for 
release of performance security for permits reliant on the reclamation 
forfeiture fund--Paragraph (B)(4)(a) is proposed to be removed. The 
Division will no longer accept self bonds as performance security.
    10. Section 1501:13-7-05.1 Procedures, criteria, and schedule for 
release of performance security for permits not reliant on the 
reclamation forfeiture fund--Paragraph (B)(4)(a) is proposed to be 
removed. The Division will no longer accept self bonds as performance 
security.
    11. Section 1501:13-7-06 Performance security forfeiture criteria 
and procedures--Paragraph (C)(4)(b) is proposed to add the word ``or'' 
to the end of this paragraph, since current paragraph (c) is proposed 
to be removed. Paragraph (C)(4)(c) is proposed to be removed. The 
Division will no longer accept self bonds as performance security.
    12. Section 1501:13-8-01 Coal exploration; performance standards-- 
Paragraph (J) is proposed to correct a paragraph Reference.
    13. Section 1501:13-9-02 Casing and sealing of drilled holes-- 
Paragraph (A)

[[Page 26415]]

is proposed to correct grammatical errors. Paragraph (C) is proposed to 
correct grammatical errors and an addition to clarify that it is the 
Chief who makes the finding of no adverse environmental or health and 
safety effect.
    14. Section 1501:13-9-16 Cessation of operations-- Paragraphs 
(A)(1), (A)(2) and (B)(1) are proposed to correct grammatical errors 
and use consistent terms. Paragraph (B)(1) is proposed to add a 
reference to Chapter 1513 of the Revised Code
    15. Section 1501:13-10-01 Roads: performance standards-- Paragraphs 
(B)(2) and (G)(1)(a) are proposed to correct grammatical errors. 
Paragraph (G)(4)(f) has a sentence re-worded to clarify its meaning and 
to mirror the language of 30 CFR 816.151(d)(6) and 30 CFR 
817.151(d)(6).
    16. Section 1501:13-12-01 Underground operations-- Paragraph (B) is 
proposed to clarify that underground operations must meet all 
applicable requirements of Chapter 1513 of the Revised Code.
    17. Section 1501:13-13-03 Operations on prime farmland--Paragraph 
(B) has Minor corrections. Paragraph (D) has a paragraph reference 
corrected. Paragraph (E)(1) is proposed to correct grammar, the 
proposed language is to change ``of'' to ``to'' to mirror the language 
of 30 CFR 823.14 (b).
    18. Section 1501:13-14-01 Inspections-- Paragraph (A)(2)(b) is 
proposed to move the phrase ``Conducted under a D-permit'' because it 
is outdated and no longer needed; all coal mining in Ohio is now 
conducted under D permits
B. Revisions to Ohio's Rules That Have the Same Meaning as the 
Corresponding Provisions of the Federal Regulations
    Ohio proposed revisions to the following rules containing language 
that is the same as or similar to the corresponding sections of the 
Federal regulations.
    1. Section 1501:13-1-10 Availability of records-- Proposed to add 
provision (B)(2) in order for it to be as effective as the federal 
program. The federal regulations at 30 CFR 840.14 (c)(1) and (2) 
require that either a copy of the records be available for inspection 
in the county where mining is taking place or a description of the 
records and a description of the procedure for obtaining the records be 
available in the county where mining is taking place. Paragraphs 
(B)(2)(b) and (b)(i) provisions in subparagraph (b) is revised and 
(b)(i) is added for clarification to keep Ohio's program as effective 
as the federal program. The federal regulations at 30 CFR 840.14 (c)(2) 
requires that any resident of the area where mining is taking place 
either be able to inspect copies of the records in the county where the 
mining is taking place or be provided copies of the records at no 
charge. Paragraph (B)(2)(b)(ii) is revised for other persons who 
request copies of the records, the Division will follow ODNR policy in 
charging for the copies.
    2. Section 1501:13-1-14 Incorporation by reference--Proposed 
changes to paragraphs (A) and (B) are annual updates of the editions of 
the Code of Federal Regulations and the United States Code that are 
incorporated by reference. The website address is simplified. 
Paragraphs (B)(16) and (17) are proposed to be removed from this list
    3. Section 1501:13-4-03 Permit applications; requirements for 
legal, financial, compliance and related information--Proposed to 
change grammatical issues in paragraphs (B)(11), (C)(5), (D)(1) and 
(F)(3). Proposed to add paragraph (D)(2) requiring information about 
lands within the permit area where the private mineral estate to be 
mined has been severed from the private surface estate will be revised 
to limit this information to lands where surface disturbance will 
result from the applicant's proposed use of a surface mining method. 
Paragraphs (D)(2)(a) to (c) are revised to add ``surface disturbance'' 
qualifications to all paragraphs due to HB 163 (effective September 30, 
2011). Paragraph (D)(3) is proposed to change ``title'' to ``rights'' 
to mirror the language of ORC Section 1513.07 (E)(2)[euro](iii). 
Paragraphs (E)(3) and (4) are proposed to add ``measured horizontally'' 
due to HB 163 (effective September 30,2011). Paragraph (H) is proposed 
to be revised by reorganizing provisions and removal of a comma to 
clarify the requirements for newspaper advertisement.
    4. Section 1501:13-4-04 Permit application requirements for 
information on environmental resources--Proposed changes to paragraph 
(C)(2)(a)(i) include a Refererence to rule 1501:13-4-08 due to the 
revisions in paragraphs (J) and (K), as explained below. Paragraphs 
(D)(5) and(E)(3) is proposed to reference to new paragraphs (D)(6) and 
(D)(7) added. Paragraph (D)(6) is proposed to add a new paragraph and 
sub-paragraphs regarding seasonal variations which provide a standard 
method for collection and submitting water samples to identify seasonal 
variations in water quality and quantity. The provisions include a 
chart showing the flow periods and their duration. These new paragraphs 
contain the requirements of the Division's Permitting & Hydrology 
Policy/Procedure Directive 2000-2 (also known as PPD 2000-2). Paragraph 
(D)(7) is proposed to add a new paragraph regarding seasonal variations 
that states: Water quality and quantity data collected and described 
other than as required by paragraph (D)(6) of this rule may be 
submitted to identify seasonal variations in ground water and surface 
water, provided the chief determines that that alternative data are 
sufficient to identify seasonal Revised Code and the rules adopted 
thereunder. Paragraphs (J) and (K) which are the mapping provisions of 
this rule are proposed to be moved to rule 1501:13-4-08, which will 
apply to coal mining operations including underground mining surface 
operations. The mapping requirements for underground workings will be 
in rule 1501:13-4-08.1. Paragraphs (L) and (M) are proposed to be re-
numbered (J) and (K) due to the revisions in paragraphs (J) and (K), as 
explained above. Paragraphs (L)(3), and (L)(4)(a) and (b) are proposed 
to be revised to address references changed due to the revisions in 
paragraphs (J) and (K), as explained above.
    5. Section 1501:13-4-05 Permit application requirements for 
reclamation and operations plans--Paragraph (A)(2)(b) is proposed to 
restore the word ``necessary'' to this provision. It was removed 
effective April 30, 2009 but OSMRE requires that it be put back for the 
provision to be as effective as the Federal provision. Paragraph (G)(2) 
is proposed to add additional language per HB 163, effective September 
30, 2011, that explains that the provisions of (G)(2) do not apply in 
cases where no surface disturbance will result from the applicant's 
proposed use of auger/highwall mining. Paragraph (H)(7) is proposed as 
a new paragraph to address incorporation by reference requirements. The 
paragraph refers the reader to rule 1501:13-9-04, which contains 
information on where a copy of Soil Conservation Service Technical 
Release No. 60 can be obtained.
    6. Section 1501:13-4-08 Hydrologic map and cross-sections--Proposed 
revision to contain all the mapping rules specific to surface coal 
mining operations, including underground mining surface operations. A 
new rule, 1501:13-4-08.1, is being proposed to contain all the mapping 
rules specific to underground workings.
    7. Section 1501:13-4-09 General map requirements--Proposed to add 
(B) to require that a map's legend indicate which of the map symbols 
listed in rule 1501:13-4-10 appear on the map.

[[Page 26416]]

Paragraph (D)(1) is proposed to add supplemental map and hydrologic map 
to the list of maps that are submitted to DMRM
    8. Section 1501:13-4-11 Maps showing reaffection of permit area--
Paragraph (A) is proposed to eliminate the word ``former'' to clarify 
the meaning of the sentence. The rule applies to maps showing land 
affected under a permit that is reaffected under a subsequent permit. 
Paragraphs (A) and (B) are proposed to change a rule reference change 
to 1501:13-4-08 (A), because the mapping requirements of rule 1501:13-
4-04 are proposed to be moved to that rule. Paragraph (B) is proposed 
to correct punctuation throughout. Paragraphs (B), (B)(2) and (B)(5) 
are proposed to restore valid existing rights language to correct an 
error that was made when the rule was revised in 2009. At that time, 
the phrase ``valid existing rights'' was removed from the rule, when in 
fact it needs to remain in the rule to appropriately distinguish the 
requirements of (B) from those of (A). A person having valid existing 
rights to land generally means that his or her rights were secured 
prior to the enactment of the Federal Surface Mining Control and 
Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977. If land under an existing permit is 
reaffected by a person with valid existing rights, mapping and 
certification requirements for that land would follow (B), rather than 
(A). The term ``valid existing rights'' is defined in OAC 1501:13-1-02.
    9. Section 1501:13-4-12 Requirements for permits for special 
categories of mining--Paragraph (F)(2) is proposed to change the 
references to the prime farmland requirements because of changes 
proposed for rules 1501:13-4-04 and 1501:13-4-13
    10. Section 1501:13-4-13 Underground mining permit application 
requirements for information on environmental resources--Paragraph 
(C)(2)(a)(i) is proposed to refer to rules 1501:13-4-08 and new rule 
1501:13-4-08.1 due to the revisions in paragraphs (J) and (K), as 
explained below. Paragraphs (D)(5) and (E)(3) is proposed to reference 
to new paragraph (0)(6) and (0)(7) added. Paragraph (D)(6) is proposed 
as a new paragraph and sub-paragraphs regarding seasonal variations 
which provide a standard method for collecting and submitting water 
samples to identify seasonal variations in water quality and quantity. 
The provisions include a chart showing the flow periods and their 
duration. These new paragraphs contain the requirements of the 
Division's Permitting & Hydrology Policy/Procedure Directive 2000-2 
(also know as PPD 2000-2). The Division is proposing to put these 
requirements into rule due to a 2007 court decision, Buckeye Forest 
Council, Inc. v. Div. of Mineral Res. Mgmt., 172 Ohio App.3d 440. In 
this decision, the court stated that, since PPD 2000-2 uniformly 
applies to all mining permit application statewide, it qualifies as a 
rule and its requirements should therefore be adopted by the Division 
through rule-making. Paragraph (0)(7) is proposed as a new paragraph 
regarding seasonal variations that states: Water quality and quantity 
data collected and described other than as required by paragraph (D)(6) 
of this rule may be submitted to identify seasonal variations in ground 
water and surface water, provided the chief determines that the 
alternative data are sufficient to identify seasonal variations needed 
for the hydrologic assessments required by Chapter 1513 of the Revised 
Code and the rules adopted thereunder. Paragraphs (J) and (K) are 
proposed to address the mapping provisions of this rule and are 
proposed to be moved to rule 150I:13-4-08, which will apply to coal 
mining operations including underground mining surface operations. The 
mapping requirements for underground workings will be in rule 1501:13-
4-08.l. Paragraphs (L) and (M) are proposed to be re-numbered (J) and 
(K) due to the revisions in paragraphs (J) and (K), as explained above. 
Paragraphs (L)(3), and (L)(4)(a) and (b) are proposed to have 
references changed due to the revisions in paragraphs (J) and (K), as 
explained above.
    11. Section 1501:13-4-14 Underground mining permit application 
requirements for reclamation and operations plans--Paragraph (A)(2)(b) 
is proposed to restore ``necessary'' to this provision. It was removed 
effective April 30, 2009, but OSMRE requires that it be put back for 
the provision to be as effective as the Federal provision. Paragraph 
(H)(7) is proposed as a new paragraph to address incorporation by 
reference requirements. The paragraph refers the reader to rule 
1501:13-9-04, which contains information on where a copy of Soil 
Conservation Service Technical Release No. 60 can be obtained.
    12. Section 1501:13-5-01 Review, public participation, and approval 
or disapproval of permit applications and permit terms and conditions--
Paragraph (E)(6) is proposed to add additional language per HB 163 
(effective September 30,2011) so that this rule agrees with the 
language of rule 1501:13-4-03 (D)(2). (G)(3). Added a reference to 
proposed new mapping rule 1501:13-4-08.1
    13. Section 1501:13-7-07 Liability insurance--Paragraph (A) is 
proposed to specify that, for an application to satisfy the liability 
insurance requirement of this rule, the application can contain a 
notarized certification acknowledging that a current proof of liability 
insurance and rider is part of the applicant's Central File for 
Identity Information. Having the liability insurance information in the 
Central File for Identity Information will avoid duplication of 
paperwork; the Central File contains up-to-date application information 
about a coal operator in one place in the Division, rather than 
requiring the coal operator to submit such information repeatedly in 
each individual application.
    14. Section 1501:13-9-01 Signs and markers--Paragraph (C)(l) is 
proposed to remove ``but shall not be limited to''. Paragraph (C)(2) is 
proposed to be reworded for clarity. Paragraphs (C)(3) to (5) is 
proposed to correct conjunctions and punctuation. Paragraph (E) is 
proposed to clarify buffer zone marking requirements and a reference to 
the stream buffer zone provisions of rule 150I:13-9-04 added
    15. Section 1501:13-9-07 Disposal of excess spoil--Proposed to add 
paragraph (K). Reference to 1501:13-4-14 (O) added because (O) also 
contains requirements for the disposal of excess spoil. Paragraph 
(M)(1) is proposed to correct a reference. Paragraph (N)(1) is proposed 
to add a reference to paragraph (B). Through a rule amendment in 1988, 
a reference to (B) was removed, although it's not clear why. 30 CFR 
816.74 (c) and 30 CFR 817.74 (c) require that the design be certified 
by a registered professional engineer. (The definition of engineer in 
rule 1501:13-1-02 already specifies that engineer means a professional 
engineer registered in accordance with ORC Chapter 4733.) (N)(5)(d). 
Reference to rule 1501:13-9-14 added because 1501:13-9-14 also contains 
requirements for postmining graded slopes.
    16. Section 1501:13-9-08 Protection of underground--Proposed 
amendment to clarify that paragraph (A) is for surface mining 
operations, while new paragraphs (B) and (C) are for underground mining 
operations and coal exploration drilling, respectively. The distance 
limit requirements for surface mining operations are not being revised. 
Paragraph (A)(1) is proposed to be revised to comply with LSC's rule-
drafting protocol. Paragraphs (B) and (B)(1) and (2) are proposed new 
provisions to protect underground mining operations from other 
underground mining operations. The

[[Page 26417]]

requirements are similar to those of (A), which protect underground 
mining operations from surface mining operations, except that the 
distance limit in (B) is 200 feet instead of 500 feet. The distance 
limit of 200 feet already exists in Mine Safety law, ORC section 
1563.39, as well as in federal MSHA regulations, 30 CFR 75.388(a)(2), 
for underground mining operations near other underground mines. 
Paragraph (C) is a proposed new provision to protect underground mining 
operations from coal exploration drilling. The requirements mirror 
those of (B), and are proposed to establish a clear distance limit for 
coal exploration drilling near underground mines in the interest of 
mine safety.
    17. Section 1501:13-9-11 Protection of fish, wildlife, and related 
environmental values--Paragraph (C)(1) is proposed tp be revised to 
mirror the requirements of, and to make the rule as effective as, 30 
CFR 816.97(f) and 30 CFR 817.97(f) with regard to the protection of 
wetlands and riparian vegetation. Paragraph (C)(2) is proposed to make 
a small change in the word order of the requirements of this paragraph 
to match (C)(1) and 30 CFR 816.97(f) and 30 CFR 817.97(f). Also, the 
word ``disturbance'' changed to ``disturbances'' to be consistent with 
(C)(1) and 30 CFR 816.97(f) and 30 CFR 817.97(f).
    18. Section 1501:13-9-15 Revegetation--Paragraph (F)(1), (F)(4)(c) 
and (F)(4)(c)(ii) is proposed to make small changes to correct 
grammatical errors and to conform to rule-writing standards. Paragraphs 
(F)(3) and (O)(5)(b) are proposed to correct paragraph references. 
Paragraph (F)(6) is proposed to add language to clarify that the Chief 
has the authority to not require the permittee to wait an additional 12 
months after seeding for minor repairs before applying for a phase III 
release, provided the Chief determines the extent of the area of repair 
was limited in size and the permittee remains in compliance with 
paragraph (G)(3)(b). Paragraphs (I)(1), (5) and (6) are proposed to 
update information about target yields and how the public can access 
this information.
    19. Section 1501:13-9-17 Postmining use of land--Paragraph (B) is 
proposed to make grammatical changes to mirror 30 CFR 816.133 (b) and 
to match the singular noun use of (B)(1) and (2). A comma is proposed 
to be added to paragraph (B)(1). Paragraphs (D)(2) and (D)(7) are 
proposed to be added from 30 CFR 816.133 (c)(3)(i) and (iv). Two 
criteria that must be met to have an alternative postmining land use 
approved are: The use will not be impractical or unreasonable, and the 
use will not cause or contribute to violation of Federal State, or 
local law. Paragraph (D)(8) is proposed to correct a rule reference.
    20. Section 1501:13-11-02 Support facilities and utility 
installations--Proposed to make changes to paragraph (A). Rule 
referencing changes to 1501:13-4-08 and 1501:13-4-08.1 due to the 
mapping requirements of rules 1501:13-4-04 and 1501:13-4-13 are 
proposed to be moved to those rules. Paragraph (C) is proposed to be 
amended to require that coal mining operations minimize damage, 
destruction, or disruption of services provided by oil, gas, and water 
wells, and by water and sewage lines, to mirror the requirements of 30 
CFR 816.180. Paragraph also amended to include telephone ``and other 
telecommunication lines.''
    The full text of the program amendment is available for you to read 
at the locations listed above under ADDRESSES or at 
www.regulations.gov.

III. Public Comment Procedures

    Under the provisions of 30 CFR 732.17(h), we are seeking your 
comments on whether the amendment satisfies the applicable program 
approval criteria of 30 CFR 732.15. If we approve the amendment, it 
will become part of the State program.

Electric or Written Comments

    If you submit written or electronic comments on the proposed rule 
during the 30-day comment period, they should be specific, confined to 
issues pertinent to the proposed regulations, and explain the reason 
for any recommended change(s). We appreciate any and all comments, but 
those most useful and likely to influence decisions on the final 
regulations will be those that either involve personal experience or 
include citations to and analyses of SMCRA, its legislative history, 
its implementing regulations, case law, other pertinent State or 
Federal laws or regulations, technical literature, or other relevant 
publications.
    We cannot ensure that comments received after the close of the 
comment period (see DATES) or sent to an address other than those 
listed (see ADDRESSES) will be included in the docket for this 
rulemaking and considered.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment including your personal identifying 
information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

Public Hearing

    If you wish to speak at the public hearing, contact the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by 4:00 p.m., e.s.t. on 
May 19, 2020. If you are disabled and need reasonable accommodations to 
attend a public hearing, contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT. We will arrange the location and time of the 
hearing with those persons requesting the hearing. If no one requests 
an opportunity to speak, we will not hold a hearing.
    To assist the transcriber and ensure an accurate record, we 
request, if possible, that each person who speaks at the public hearing 
provide us with a written copy of his or her comments. The public 
hearing will continue on the specified date until everyone scheduled to 
speak has been given an opportunity to be heard. If you are in the 
audience and have not been scheduled to speak and wish to do so, you 
will be allowed to speak after those who have been scheduled. We will 
end the hearing after everyone scheduled to speak, and others present 
in the audience who wish to speak, have been heard.

Public Meeting

    If only one person requests an opportunity to speak, we may hold a 
public meeting rather than a public hearing. If you wish to meet with 
us to discuss the amendment, please request a meeting by contacting the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. All such meetings 
are open to the public and, if possible, we will post notices of 
meetings at the locations listed under ADDRESSES. We will make a 
written summary of each meeting a part of the administrative record.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

Executive Order 12866--Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563--Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will 
review all significant rules. Pursuant to OMB guidance, dated October 
12, 1993, the approval of State program amendments is exempted from OMB 
review under Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13563, which

[[Page 26418]]

reaffirms and supplements Executive Order 12866, retains this 
exemption.

Other Laws and Executive Orders Affecting Rulemaking

    When a State submits a program amendment to OSMRE for review, our 
regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(h) require us to publish a notice in the 
Federal Register indicating receipt of the proposed amendment, its text 
or a summary of its terms, and an opportunity for public comment. We 
conclude our review of the proposed amendment after the close of the 
public comment period and determine whether the amendment should be 
approved, approved in part, or not approved. At that time, we will also 
make the determinations and certifications required by the various laws 
and executive orders governing the rulemaking process and include them 
in the final rule.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR part 935

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.

Thomas D. Shope,
Regional Director, North Atlantic--Appalachian Region.
[FR Doc. 2020-08805 Filed 5-1-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P